Questions for Bill Horan

[custer760]

Hi once again Bill,
a few months back,there was a thread entitled Gandamaak The Mother of all Dioramas, and all aspects of your talents were discussed (without your participation) It was more or less concluded that you must have had some Artistic Schooling otherwise this composure and movement created by you would not be possible !! My question "Did you have artistic Schooling,or is this all self-taught ?" and when self-taught,how is the best way to go about this to gain this awareness and artistic ability.
Peter

 

[Major_Goose]

Hello Bill and its a real honour to meet one of the artists that inspired me into figure painting .

Is there a possibility that u will be present in this years ATHENS STAR SHOW International Competition from 27-29 th of May 2005 ? i would really like to see u close. I am just asking cause there is a roumor that u may come this year.

Thanks a lot

Costas Rodopoulos
Greece

 

[Billhoran]

Ernesto

My basic groundwork material is A & B putty (I think Mike Blank and I do it pretty much the same way), into which I sprinkle dust and pebbles, and texture by pressing a rough stone into the putty while wet. All my other materials are natural, dried floral materials, bought at a craft store and all painted. I use unraveled and painted jute twine for long grass, azalea roots for branches, and dried basil for dead leaves. I always paint everything that goes into the groundwork, and try to avoid harsh dry brushing. I use a lot of washes for groundwork painting.

I’m giving a demonstration at the next SCAHMS meeting on December 3rd – you're all welcome to attend!


Peter:

I have no formal training of any kind, but I don’t like the term self-taught. When one is enthusiastic and very interested in learning something, it’s amazing how many unwitting “teachers” there are out there. I like to think that Troiani, DeNeuville, Detaille, Schreyvogel, Remington and others have been teaching me for years. If you immerse yourself enough in the work of these great artists some of it is bound to rub off.

The only other experience I have had that I believe was a big asset is my early theater training. Through 5 years of college, I was heavily involved in theater, both as an actor and stage make-up artist (I did take a class for that). Stage management, arranging actors on the stage (“blocking”) is very much a part of good composition, and I still recall and apply many of the things I learned in this regard.

Kostis:

I would LOVE to come to Athens in 2005, but my schedule will make it impossible. I am one of the organizers of the 2005 Boston World Expo (in the US the modelers are the organizers!) in late June-early July. In addition I am obligated to attend the MFCA show at the beginning of May, and Leon Rampante 23-24 May to promote my new book with Andrea Press.

I have told Kostis Kariotelis I should be able to attend in 2006 – that is looking all clear. My wife is also dying to come to Greece, so you have a good agent in the Horan home!

Bill

 

[btavis]

Bill,

I was at Bill M's place over the weekend since I was at the Long Island show and I got to see Gandamark in the flesh. It was especially nice to have the opportunity to spend a long time with this piece up close (with a magnifying glass) and see how marvelous it really is. I remember the detailed multi issue article you had done for Military Modeling but seeing it in the flesh is a whole 'nother ballgame! He also showed me the Capt. Souter he and Greg DeFranco had done and it was interesting to see the different interpretations of this historic figure.

Since I have personally gotten into only doing scratchbuilt pieces in the last year or so I think my appreciation of your work is at a whole different level.

One question I have is regarding casting. Have you attempted to cast repetitious parts on your own or do you rely on others to do it for you. My problem is time management and I wonder if it makes sense to pursue self casting. I currently sculpted eight pairs of wing tipped shoes for my Zoot Suit dio and it really seemed to make sense to do one pair well and then cast them. Any comments on the merits of doing this?

Thanks,

Bob T.

 

[John Long]

Originally posted by Billhoran@Nov 23 2004, 11:55 AM

The only other experience I have had that I believe was a big asset is my early theater training. Through 5 years of college, I was heavily involved in theater, both as an actor and stage make-up artist (I did take a class for that). Stage management, arranging actors on the stage (“blocking”) is very much a part of good composition, and I still recall and apply many of the things I learned in this regard.

That explains a lot. Your compositions and execution are what turns your model into art.

 

[Manfred]

Bill,


have you ever noted an adverse reaction to the enamel colour coat from the underlying Duro?

As you use this since many years I think you should be the one to ask. Someone with knowledge of chemistry not in the hobby mentioned that softeners (like in rubber) might affect the paintwork over years after I described the putty - however I do not know if Duro/Kneadatite has any of these at all.


Thanks,
Manfred

 

[Billhoran]

Bob Tavis:

Casting up common parts is really a great idea. I do it on a limited basis (shoes, torso/pelvis sections, and a few Victorian parts), but I really should do more. The problem is that I just don’t have the time to futz with learning the process (I don’t like anything to distract me from making figures for any more than a day or two – golf is already a major offender), so I rely on others. I have a friend here in California who makes superb resin castings and I really should put him to work more regularly. It would be especially nice to have good castings of some 19th century rifles in metal!!!


Manfred:

I have never seen any indication that either A & B or Duro/Kneadatite reacts adversely to paint. I recently saw one of my earliest 54mm sculptures, made 21 years ago, and it looked as good as new (I just wish I was a better sculptor then!).

Bill

 

[btavis]

Originally posted by Billhoran@Nov 23 2004, 12:07 PM
Bob Tavis:

Casting up common parts is really a great idea.  I do it on a limited basis (shoes, torso/pelvis sections, and a few Victorian parts), but I really should do more.  The problem is that I just don’t have the time to futz with learning the process (I don’t like anything to distract me from making figures for any more than a day or two – golf is already a major offender), so I rely on others.  I have a friend here in California who makes superb resin castings and I really should put him to work more regularly.  It would be especially nice to have good castings of some 19th century rifles in metal!!!

Which 19th century rifles are you looking for? I know Metal Models was going to do Chassepots last time I talked to Bruno. Some of the obscure German rifles like Podweils would be nice too. I hope Bruno does them because from the ones I have used before from him the quality (sculpting, casting) has been top shelf.

Maybe Gary D. who posts here could be coaxed from you as he also does exceptional weapons. We could all benefit I am sure

 

[Billhoran]

The Metal Models figures are too large and bulky - more suitable for Historex scale. I need a slightly smaller (closer to 1/32nd scale) more slender, elegant weapon shape that will be more consistant with the figures I use. There is tremendous variation in the world of "54mm"!

Bill

 

[gordy]

Bill, out of curiosity is there a "common denominator" rifle style/shape/length that could serve as a 'blank' that if used with slight modification to create a variety of rifles?

Welcome to pF, and thanks for being a source of inspiration

 

[Billhoran]

Well yes, that's what I am doing now. I use a standard Shenandoah Springfield rifle (with or without bayonet), as my standard rifle "blank". I carve it down and then build it back up to whatever weapon I require.

Bill

 

[Luis R.]

Hi Bill,
Have you tried HR products?
They have a good 54mm small-arms range.

(I can't beleive i might be giving some advise to Bill Horan )

 

[Billhoran]

I used to but the molds are in very bad shape and the weapons are really unuseable. I freely admit to being rather picky!

Bill

 

[John Long]

Do you design each original so that it can be taken apart to some extent before painting? I try to do this on my originals to accomodate painting, but struggle with how many discrete pieces I want to paint. I would appreciate your views on this.

 

[Billhoran]

John,

Yes I do. For example, I ALWAYS want to paint my rifles separately, so for that reason I only sculpt the fingers around the weapon after most of the figure and the rifle (in its entirety) are painted. Other things like canteens, and in the case of the Prussian Grenadier (see my Recent Projects thread), the pickelhaube hanging from the sword hilt.

I actually had a painting access problem with the Grenadier. His beard and the upper portion of his rolled greatcoat did not provide enough access to paint the litzen (two lace bars) on his left collar. I had to carve away part of his beard, paint the litzen, then resculpt his beard.

Bill

Current Projects Thread

 

[dancap3286]

Hello Bill, I cannot say how much that your style has influenced the way I paint figures. There seems to be a big trend of using acrylics out there (and some modellers do get great results) but use only enamels, primarily modelmasters. I was kind of relieved to see your earlier post stating that you too are using some modelmasters paints. On another note I was speaking with Greg DiFranco this weekend at the Long Island Figure Show. I cannot speak highly enough about him as a person and as an all armor dio and ww2 fig guy he has given me the itch to paint some napoleonics now. BTW I keep your masterclass book near me at all times just for reference. Great to see you here.

 

[Billhoran]

I have met some excellent painters over the years, but in my opinion, Greg is the absolute best. He uses an assortment of paint types, and his painting of "round" figures is surpassed only by his brilliant flay painting. He is also a very good guy to ask for a painting critique. He notices things that many of us miss.

Bill

 

[dancap3286]

I kinda feel the same way you do Marijn, I've been concentrating on figures really exclusively although I chalk it up to diorama burn out. I wonder if you feel the same? Just a little burnt out by complex dio building so the figures give me a nice constructive feeling. Also gives me a good chance to improve on figure painting skills as well.

 

[Billhoran]

Marijn,

I am constantly inventing new challenges and tests for myself. Some are long term challenges (working on gettiong better at a particular thing in general, like hand and finger sculpture and painting, delineating clothing seams in jackets and trousers), or just selecting a figure because of a particular challenge it posed.

About a year ago I did a Private of the Black Watch during the Ashanti Campaign of 1874. I really wanted to have a crack at the strange London Scottish gray color of the uniforms (a painting challenge), which is really strange violet-grey color. The complicated modified Snider Enfield issued was also something I wanted to try (sculpting challenge). Other times (like now) I have so many ideas that I can't whip them out fast enough!

We all get burnout from time to time. I like to mix a series of short term projects with the occasional big project. I tend to get impatient if a project if taking to long,

Bill

 

[Miguel Angel Rodríguez]

Hello Bill,

It is really wonderful to have the chance to ask you something since you are one of the most prominent references for people, like myself, who enjoy trying to paint figures.

My first question is related to another one already made: I have heard -or read but I am unable to remember where- that you used to build up, paint and finish a 1/35 Tamiya armour kit in just a weekend, prior to start your current dedication to figures. Is that true or it is some sort of "urban-modelling" legend

Finally, may I kindly ask should some kind of demonstration or exhibition of your technique is planned for Leon Rampante 2005? If so I will be more than pleased if I could atend to it.

Thanks in advance,

Miguel